Thumbs up all around.

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to this uh Previden City Council meeting on September 4th.

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council President Miller, present.

Deputy Majority Whip Anderbois is absent.

Majority Leader Espinall.

Present.

Councilwoman Graves.

Present.

Deputy Majority Leader Harris is absent.

Councilwoman Peterson.

Hi, Council President Pro Tempore Picciardo.

Present.

Councilor Royus.

Present.

Councilwoman Ryan.

Present.

Majority Whip Sanchez.

Councilman Taylor.

Councilwoman Anna Vargas is absent.

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

Here.

You have ten present and four absent.

You have a quorum.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Will everyone please rise for the invocation tonight?

Counselors, as we are gathered here tonight, we know that the students are back to school.

We know the teachers are back to school.

And in many ways, we ourselves feel like a back to school moment.

And I I know that we wish strength and blessings for everyone who's undertaking a new school year, a new project, and also for us as we recommit to our work to the city, um, to one another.

As always, as we humble humbly ask for guidance so that the decisions we make here today support all of the residents of our great city and that we work with each other with integrity, we honor one another's uh opinions and uh personhood and decision making.

Um I'd like to share a quote that was from the 1500s and is equally uh important today.

As we contemplate the vast amount of work to be done for justice and peace in this world, we trust that we will find the grace to accomplish, to believe in, and to hope for the greatest things.

As we gather here, we look for grace in the smallest things and are sustained by our confidence in God's presence in our work and in our gatherings from St.

Peter Faber in the 1500s.

And uh we express gratitude for each other for the work that we do and for the ability to be able to make the decisions and do the work ahead of us.

Thank you.

Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Majority Leader Espinell.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation, under God, indivisible, walliberty, and justice for all.

Madam Clerk, item three.

Madam President.

Majority leader.

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second.

Any discussion?

All in favor.

Any opposed, any abstentions?

Hearing none, the motion passes.

Item four.

Madam President.

Majority leader.

What should the way the reading would have four through thirteen?

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second.

Any discussion on items four through thirteen.

Madam President.

Uh Pro Tem P Jack.

Not on uh item four, but uh item number three, since it doesn't change the vote.

I would like to be recorded as abstain on the approval of the minutes.

So noted.

At the appropriate time.

Any discussion on items four through thirteen.

Uh Councilwoman Graves.

Um twelve.

I just would like to make a statement.

I'm awful loud.

Um how pleased I am of the appointment of Patricia Robb.

Patricia Robb was one of the co-founders, along with myself, Rochelle, and quite a few others for the community libraries, and she served for many years.

I'm glad she's going back on that board because they need that.

Um so thank you so much for appointing her to that position.

Counselor Councilman uh Peterson.

Thank you.

I just wanted to echo uh what my fellow counselor said, Patricia Robb is a uh pillar in the Ward 14 community, and she stands out for not just her work and her achievements in the libraries, but also just being an all-around supporter for transit and um just everything, and I am very thankful that you have considered her as well as our very own Aaron Easter Gardner, who is also very amazing and hardworking in his own right.

Thanks and I'm sorry, that goes without saying that always nice to say.

Thank you, Counselor, Councilman Sanchez.

Uh thank you, Madam President.

I'm just standing up real quickly and just giving a huge shout out and much gratitude to all of these uh individuals uh who are stepping up or continuing to step up and serve the city of Providence.

Uh these folks uh on these boards are really the the bread and butter um and backbone uh of making our city uh the city that we all desire it to be.

I just want to quickly give a shout out to Phoenix who is here.

I know Phoenix has contributed a lot to the city in many ways, so much uh gratitude uh for the continuance of that uh service, and then also uh just a huge shout out to Anthony Simon, uh, who's the chair of the rec board uh that I also serve on.

Uh we have been meeting monthly uh a different recenter every month.

Big shout out to the clerk's office uh for uh making that happen.

Um, and we are uh doing a lot of work uh to support the the rec department.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you.

Further discussion items for 13 majority leader.

Thank you, Madam President.

I just want to echo the expression or those that came before me in regards to those that have taken on the challenge to serve our city.

But I also want to point out to our very own Aaron Easter Gunner, who is quite a champion, and I think his expertise will be a great asset to the community library.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Further discussion.

All in favor.

Aye.

Any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Uh, Madam Clerk, please note four through five, uh, I'm sorry, four through eleven ten as received, refer item eleven to the committee on finance, note twelve and thirteen as received.

Um noted.

And counselors, will you please um join me in giving Phoenix, who's here tonight, uh uh round of applause.

Thank you, Phoenix.

And I'm so sorry, all other appointments who I may not recognize, I apologize if I don't if you are here and I don't recognize you by um sight.

Thank you for being here and congratulations.

Item 14.

Madam President.

Majority leader.

What should the way the reading item 14 through 25?

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second.

Any discussion on items 14 through 25.

Hearing none, all in favor.

Any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Uh, Madam Clerk, please refer items 14 through 20 to the Committee on Finance, 21 to the Committee on Ordinances, 22 through 25 to the Committee on Finance.

So noted.

Item 26.

Madam President.

Majority Leader.

Why should the way the reading writer 26 and 27 pass on a voice vote?

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second.

Any discussion on items 26 and 27.

Madam President.

Councilman Taylor.

Can you read uh 26?

Can the clerk read 26 into the record?

Thank you.

Whereas the City of Providence mourns the passing of Judge Frank Caprio on August 20th, 2025, a man whose life began in the heart of this city and who gave back to it far more than he ever asked of it.

And whereas Judge Caprio grew up in Federal Hill, the son of Antonio, an Italian immigrant, and Philomena, a Providence native, who taught him that hard work, compassion, and education were lifelong obligations.

And whereas those lessons carried him into the classrooms of Providence, where he passed them on as a teacher of government and into City Hall, where he put them to work as a councilman serving his Ward 13 community.

And whereas his path then led to the bench of the municipal court, where for nearly 40 years he presided with patience and care, weighing not only the law before him, but the lives bound up in it.

And whereas the words he spoke from the bench reached millions through recordings shared far by beyond providence, and in them, people saw a man who treated every person with sincerity and attention, whose presence made the small moments of the courtroom feel serious and kind, and whose consistent acts of decency and consideration reminded people that in a world where such care can feel rare, even small gestures of kindness can brighten a day and ripple outward to make the world a little better.

And whereas his impact reached outside the courtroom as well, through the colleges, he advised the scholarships he created and the opportunities he opened for students who might otherwise have gone unseen.

And whereas through all of this, his life was steadied by the love of his wife Joyce and shaped by the pride he carried for his children and grandchildren, who stood at the heart of his every endeavor.

And whereas, and remembering him now, the city of Providence does not simply recall the offices he held or the years he gave, but bears witness to a life joined inseparably with its own, a life that treated the city as one big neighborhood and one big family, and left it with more kindness at its heart and more room at its table.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Providence City Council honors the memory of Judge Frank Caprio, whose life was bound to this city and whose example will continue to guide those who walk the paths he once walked.

And be it further resolved that the city council extends its deepest sympathy to his wife Joyce and to the Caprio family with gratitude for the ways they shared him with Providence and with recognition that his devotion to them was inseparable from his devotion to this community, and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Caprio family as a lasting expression of the respect, affection, and enduring gratitude of this council and the people of this city.

Thank you, Madam Claire.

Discussion.

Councilman Taylor.

Madam President, first off, um I want to say thank you for putting this resolution in, because I know it comes from the heart.

And also want to thank all the uh 14 members for signing on to this.

Um, because we all know Judge Caprio was uh very close friend with of mine, as is the family, and um he was he was as I tell everybody he was uh he was what is right with Providence.

Um he was kind, compassionate, and he uh always tried to help out everybody uh when he could, and also um even when he was out as the uh judge, he you know ended up getting uh the courtroom named after him.

He got uh uh grand marshal for the Dominican Parade.

He was uh nominated for the Martin Luther King Award, the Reber Award, um, and he fought a hell of a battle with cancer.

Um, two years with pancreatic cancer was a good fight.

Um but I just want to say thank you to the family for uh because as we know, everybody wherever you go and you say, you know, you're from pro I'm from Providence, they always used to say, Oh, you know Judge Caprio, you know Judge Caprio.

So like I said, he he put us on the map, and um I thank him for that.

And I thank his family for sharing him with myself and also with all the residents of Rhode Island.

Um they'll never be another Judge Caprio, Chief Judge Caprio, and just an ending.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

And I thank all the memory all the memories that I have with the Judge Caprio and the family, they're all treasures to me.

Thank you.

Thank you, Counselor.

Further discussion on 26 and 27.

Councilman Margis.

Thank you, Mark Chair.

I just want to remarks uh my colleague about George Caprio.

George Caprio hope a lot of families, especially the Latino community.

I am one of them who went to testify in front of him.

With my broken English, I know that he forgave the driver that he got a uh spitting ticket in Providence.

But he knows the immigrant community needs a lot of hope and that's why we are elect in these chambers today.

We have a legend, and we should follow his footsteps that we when we work with a community, we have to remember that we work for them, and our hearts goes out to them because we don't know how they suffer and working hard to get the family out.

And George Caprio was a great example.

And God bless the family and God bless everyone who got in touch with this person.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President.

I rise uh also to pay condolences and homage and tribute to the honorable judge Frank Caprio.

As he was a friend and also uh a mentor for not only myself, but I think for a lot of uh Providence and the state of Rhode Island.

Uh as I recall meeting him and growing up in the city of Providence, you understood a gentleman, but you understand it even more when you start listening to his story as he became ill uh with cancer and the battle with cancer.

I had the privilege of uh serving with Frank uh Caprio Jr.

in the Senate along with uh David Caprio in the House, and throughout those years, I was able to also get to know some of their stories, and I know now where they get, especially Frank Caprio Jr., his humbleness.

But one thing that I remember uh the honorable judge Frank Caprio saying was to always stay humble, remember your roots because he always mentioned his grandfather who came uh from Italy at the age of nine, and through his eulogy at uh at St.

Uh Paul, we learned so much about him.

Not only was he a gentleman, a father for what 62 years, uh committed to to his community, to his family, and he kept saying family is everything, and that is something that we as uh Providence as a as a uh Rhode Island we've embraced over the years because he put us on the map, but now forever he will be remembered as a person that will always always looked upon the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island of hope for the immigrant to grow and to for next generations to really seek that ultimate uh dream that we're looking for, and that is to be among family.

The there was a mention that Judge Frank Caprio was always in the state of hope.

He was always in the state of hope, and that is how we should always remember him, and not just because we are only uh here in the in Rhode Island, that's our motto, but he exemplified hope for many of us.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Further discussion.

Councilman Rayas.

Thank you, Madam President.

I'll just quickly say, well, there's nothing I think I can say tonight to capture uh the life and impact of uh Judge Frank Caprio.

I know you know he was before the council uh last year, and that's when I met him for the first time.

Um I'll just say this.

Uh Judge Um Frank Caprio um he uh his impact showed us that compassion and accountability when it comes to the the judicial system can coexist, and that has that's been a powerful observation takeaway um when I think about his life and impact.

Uh the the other thing I'll say is you know, um well before I became city counselor in my early 20s, and I I believe I mentioned this to some of you, is my brothers and I would sit at the kitchen table and come up with a plan to somehow meet him, and we the plan was that we would intentionally get a ticket, and so that we could be summoned before him to actually meet the judge.

Uh we didn't end up getting a ticket, but uh uh years down the down the road, we were glad to have met him.

Um, but you know, he he had an amazing life.

Uh, we're talking teacher at Hope High School, city counselor, veteran, he did it all, and he was a true public servant.

Uh so that being said, rest in power, Judge, and uh my thoughts uh go out to the family during this time.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you.

Further discussion.

Um Madam President, thank you so much for the opportunity.

Uh there is so much that could be said about honorable judge Frank Caprio.

Uh so I want to rise and extend my condolences to his family and to all of his friends, especially to our colleague.

Uh I think George Caprio embodied what we all aspired to be one day and what we want our loved ones to be.

Uh, he lived a great life.

Thank you so much.

Thank you, Councilwoman Peterson.

Thank you.

I'll be extremely brief because I think I'm echoing everything that everybody else has said.

The family has always been very kind to me, and as I got to know the judge very briefly in this time in office, one of the things that I remember him always telling me, we always had our connection of Suffolk University together.

But one of the things that he always reminded me of when we saw each other was to always be kind.

And I think that's a page that we can all learn from and take as counselors here as elected officials, where you lead with compassion and empathy and not necessarily in our own personal interests.

So I just want to again offer my condolences to the family and thank you for sharing him with all of us.

Thank you.

Further discussion.

All in favor.

Any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Thank you all very much.

This is the first of many ways that I think we will continue to honor his memory and legacy over coming months.

Madam Clerk, item 28.

Madam President.

Majority Leader.

What should the way the reader writed 28?

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second.

Discussion on item 28.

Hearing none, all in favor.

Hi.

Any opposed?

Any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Madam Clerk, please refer 28 to the committee on ordinance.

So noted.

Item 29.

Madam President.

Majority Leader.

What should the way the reader wrote it?

29 and pass and a voice vote.

We have a motion and a second.

Madam Clerk, will you please read item 29?

Whereas Melvin F.

Brundage was a much esteemed and longtime resident of Providence.

And whereas Mr.

Bunt Brundage was also a public servant, having served the city for 22 years in maintenance and became a well-liked and respected figure by the residents of Hartford Projects.

Whereas Mr.

Brundedge was known to his friends and many others as tank and was a devoted, supportive friend, known for his big smile, hearty laugh, playful humor, bracing candor, and willingness to listen.

And whereas Mr.

Brundage was likewise an example of familial devotion as a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin.

And whereas Mr.

Brundage, who passed away on June 23rd, 2025, at the age of 64, is survived and missed terribly by seven children.

Kuria, James, Sherad, Taran, Shakwina, Mikewan, Lavanda, two stepchildren, Jim Jerome, Jermone and Renika, a sister, Minister Barbara Bryan, and many children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

And whereas the Providence City Council sincerely desires to honor Mr.

Brundage as a Providence resident and a former employee of the city.

Now therefore, be it resolved that the Providence City Council celebrates the life and legacy of Melvin F.

Brundage and offers its deepest condolences to his family.

And be it further resolved that upon passage copies of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Melvin F.

Brundage.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Discussion?

Councilwoman Graves.

Yes, I put in this because I've been knowing Tank all his life, basically.

He was a friend of mine, one of my younger brothers.

He grew up in this community.

Being always being a kind, wonderful guy, you know.

He was somebody that everybody wanted to be around.

He listened to everybody.

Um and he always worked hard.

And even if he got into trouble, he made you laugh about it getting into trouble and saying, okay, I learned my lesson, I'll know that I again, you know, type of thing.

He he just was all around great person.

I think sometimes we get caught up in titles and positions when we give out these things, but sometimes we just need to give it to the people that are out there in the community doing their best.

And while they're doing it, they're sharing their love and showing children because he was very, as you could tell, he got nine of his own.

Um he always showed the kids that you can always make it, you can always do well.

He was a nice looking young man, so the ladies loved him.

Uh but he he just, but the guys did too.

He was one of the ones if he went into a barber shop.

Everybody in the barber shop knew him, and he was well liked on the south side, the east side, the west end, but the north end in Smithtill was his home.

And I just think that you know, for him to have worked for the city of Providence for all those years until he got sick.

Um, he should be on it too.

So I hope that everybody will sign this, because I think he definitely deserves something, some type of recognition and his family are still hurting.

I hope that some of them have made it down here, but I forgot to tell him about it until about 11 o'clock this morning.

So hopefully that when we have the actual thing to give him, they will all be here.

But like I said, he is well liked by so many people.

He was part of so many different groups, and I don't think there's a person out there that couldn't he wouldn't be friends with, and that he didn't care where you came from, you know, or where you ended.

If you're laying in the street drunk, he said, hey buddy, you are you okay?

You know, that type of person.

So I I like people that just care.

And everybody knew that he cared.

Everybody knew he that he truly listened.

When he said, Okay, you know, I may not be able to help you, but I always got an ear.

I may not be able to help you, but I always got a shoulder, you know.

So he didn't realize just how many people he touched and how many people he helped just by having that ear and that shoulder.

That's all.

Thank you, councilwoman.

And we're sorry for your loss.

Further discussion on 29.

All in favor?

Any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Item 30.

Madam President, majority leader.

What's it the way they're reading or writing 30?

Second, madam president.

We have a motion and a second, and a discussion on item 30.

For Tem.

Thank you, Madam President.

Uh, I won't ask for to be read because it's a long one.

But I I will speak on this resolution.

Um, and so this uh resolution is for providing a little bit more transparency and honoring community and history of the Gilbert Stewart School.

As member of this city council, our chief responsibility is oversight, and that requires full and timely access to information.

Oversight cannot be effective without documentation, updates, and transparency.

When this project began, I emphasize two priorities, even with all the schools in the city of Providence.

One, have meaningful community engagement, and within Gilbert Stewart in that community, is let's look at let's study whether we could incorporate parts of the existing school's architecture.

To date, slowly has been trickling in.

Architectural designs are not yet complete, yet the timeline shows demolition will happen before we can even review them.

Once the building is demolished, any option to preserve elements that could save money or add character is gone.

But weeks later, that remains questionable and unanswered.

My resolution seeks to correct this by halting demolition until designs and cost estimates are finalized and reviewed by an independent cost estimator.

This is not about blocking the project.

And as a former student there, I'm biased.

Again, this is not about blocking the project, it is about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and respect for a community and its history and the history that it that it pertains for the namesake Gilbert Stewart.

We can allow remediation to continue, but the structure must remain intact until this body has the information needed for true oversight.

This resolution spells all of this out.

Some key points that I would like to highlight again is that the primary goal is not to stop completely this project, it's to respect the community, respect the process, give us the information so that way we in the community and we as city council can make credible and oversight regarding this structure.

This resolution aims to ensure that the city council has the information and the opportunity to perform its duty of oversight.

This resolution aims to ensure that the city council has the information and the opportunity to perform its duty of oversight.

It demands that all pertinent details, designs, and analysis from the architect be disclosed to the city council.

It requires that the final designs and cost estimates be completed, reviewed by an independent party and presented before demolition proceeds.

This resolution ensures a thorough, well documented process is followed, guaranteeing the best and most responsible use of funds.

Ultimately, the resolution seeks to ensure that a transparent and thorough process has been conducted to deliver a new school that parents, neighbors, and children can be proud of.

Thank you.

Pro tem further discussion on item 30.

Councilwoman Graves.

Could I do the personal preference thing?

After we vote on 30, yes.

Further discussion.

All in favor.

Any um abstentions or nays hearing none, Madam Clerk, please refer item 30 to the special committee on hope.

So noted.

Councilwoman Gaves.

Okay, sorry.

The family has came in, or a couple of members from the family came in for um tank.

And I just would like to acknowledge them and let them know.

Can could you read it one more time?

One second.

Thank you.

Whereas Melvin F.

Brundage was a much esteemed and longtime resident of Providence, and whereas Mr.

Brundage was also a public servant, having served the city for 22 years in maintenance, and became a well-liked and respected figure by the residents of Hartford Projects.

And whereas Mr.

Brundage was known to his friends and many others as tank, and was a devoted, supportive friend for known for his big smile, hearty laugh, playful humor, bracing candor, and willingness to listen.

And whereas Mr.

Brundage was likewise an example of familial devotion as a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin.

And whereas Mr.

Brundage, who passed away on June 23rd, 2025, at the age of 64, is survived and missed terribly by seven children.

Kiria, James, Sherad, Taran, Shakwina, Mikewan, Lavanda, two stepchildren, Jermone and Renika, a sister, Minister Barbara Bryant, and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

And whereas the Providence City Council sincerely desires to honor Mr.

Brundage as a Providence resident and as a former employee of the city.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Providence City Council celebrates the life and legacy of Melbourne F.

Brundage and offers its deepest condolences to his family.

And be it further resolved that upon passage copies of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Melvin F.

Brundage.

Thank you.

Um we already went through this thing and it has been voted upon.

But I just want to let acknowledge the family and just let you know that we we love tank.

I love tank, and I'm glad that um we were able to do this for the family.

And you still get something soon.

Um thank you for coming.

And I apologize for just telling you this morning.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman, and thank you for coming tonight.

And please know the council offers our deepest sympathies, and thanks for all of his years of service.

Uh item 31.

Madam President, majority leader to weigh the reader, right at 31 through 33 and passing a voice vote.

A second, madam president.

We have a motion and a second.

Any discussion on items 31 through 33.

Councilwoman Ryan.

Uh Madam President, um, could you kind I'd like to kindly ask that the uh resolution be read into the record?

Item 31, yes, thank you.

Whereas Armin E.

Battestini Jr., a lifelong Providence resident, epitomized an abiding and admirable civic spirit in a life committed to his community and the city.

And whereas that spirit led Mr.

Battestini to public service, including honorable service in the United States Navy and service to the city as a student support specialist for the Providence Public School Department and as a supervisor and director for the Robert F.

Kennedy Recreation Center for the Recreation Department.

And whereas Mr.

Battestini also served as a representative for the 8th District in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, which includes the Elmhurst and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods of Providence from 1977 to 1992, chairing the joint committee on accounts and claims and serving as vice chair of the Health, Education and Welfare Committee.

And whereas the devotion of Mr.

Battestini to his community and the city was also invinced in his long involvement with youth sports from his 41 years as a board member of the of Elmhurst Little League and his 61-year tenure as a coach of the St.

Pius Catholic Youth Organizational Organization Basketball Team.

And whereas Mr.

Battestini supported generations of Providence Youth through his many commitments, creating a community of people whose lives were improved by his care and his mentorship.

And whereas on November 28, 2016, Councilwoman Joanne Ryan Ward 5 established a recreation center at Pleasant View School.

And on September 26, 2017, subsequently sponsored and passed a resolution of the Providence City Council officially naming the center the Armand E.

Battestini Junior Recreational Center.

And whereas the Providence City Council wishes sincerely to further honor the continuing legacy of Mr.

Battestini in the fifth ward and in Providence widely.

Now therefore, be it resolved that the Providence City Council respectfully request that the Board of Park Commissioners rename Obadiah Brown Field and the adjacent splash pad, both located at Armin E.

Battestini Jr.

Recreational Center in honor of Armand E.

Battestini Jr.

And be it further resolved that upon passage copies of this resolution be sent to Commissioner of Parks Wendy Nelson, Acting Director of Recreation, Jackie Pulius, and the members of the Board of Park Commissioners, the City of Providence Recreation Department, and to the family of Armand E.

Battestini Jr.

Thank you, Councilwoman Ryan.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam Clerk, for reading that so eloquently.

And so many families asked for a safe place to send their kids after school for safe programming and athletic pursuits.

And Armin and I embarked after elected on a whirlwind tour of the fifth ward trying to identify a rec center.

Obviously, if you can imagine the costs to create a rec center, we're coming in in millions and millions of dollars.

After a lot of thought and work with my colleagues on the council, we identified $50,000 in CDBG money allocated to each ward at that time.

And essentially what we did was most of the kids coming on at Pleasant View at the end of the day, would march right into the rec center and we'd close the door behind him and secure the school facility.

But that's how we opened the Armin Battestini Rec Center.

And Amon we named it after him because of his obvious service to our community.

Certainly befitting.

He he devoted his entire professional life, if you will, and adult life to the service in service to his community.

So we named the Rec Center after him, and each and every year with all the little um tidbits of funds that the council is able to provide.

Most recently, we've improved the field that's behind the Rec Center, and it just seemed fitting that we expand on the effort that began with a $50 CDBG grant.

And again, honoring Armin's commitment to our neighborhood and our kids to name those resources after Armin and connect them to the Rec Center.

So that's what this does, and I hope you join me in in supporting it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Further discussion, item 31 through 33.

Majority leader.

Madam President, thank you.

But we know how enthusiastic she would have been to speak about the resolution celebrating the Hispanic uh Heritage Month, which describes our culture, our heritage.

But again, she cannot be here, so I'll ask the clerk to please read the letters into the records.

Thank you.

Whereas each year from September 15th to October 15th, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

And whereas the celebration coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize.

And whereas the Hispanic community represents nearly half of Providence's population, enriching our city with traditions rooted in family, faith, music, art, cuisine, and civic leadership.

And whereas Hispanic Americans have contributed greatly to the fields of education, business, science, the arts, government, and more, strengthening not only the cultural fabric of Providence, but the nation's character as well.

And whereas the City of Providence is proud to honor the dedication, resilience, and creativity of its Hispanic residents, whose impact continues to shape the city's growth and identity, and will always work to protect their rights, empower their voices, and fight for their inclusion.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Providence City Council reaffirms September 15th to October 15th of each year as Hispanic Heritage Month and the City of Providence and celebrates the achievements and legacy of Hispanic Americans.

Thank you.

Councilman.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Thank you, Madam President.

So again, she council uh Vargas cannot be here tonight.

Uh she also wanted me to communicate to our colleagues that she will be having a parade on Pocaset Avenue on September 13th in celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month.

Uh thanks to the clerk and to our policy team who put this resolution together, which actually speaks about all of the successes that the Hispanic community has had.

And I think that that is apparent here tonight when we talk about six Hispanics and the council.

And also at the state level, uh almost the uh half of the Providence population as the resolution stated is Hispanic, and uh we're all just uh looking to contribute in a positive way in whatever aspect and an important aspect uh in our city.

So we stand strong uh in this country and uh we'll keep moving forward in a very positive way.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Vargas.

Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madame President.

I rise to ten for reading the resolution about uh Hispanic heritage.

If we put all the countries in that page, won't be able to fit in.

We miss in Colombia, Argentina, Peru, a bunch of countries.

So I want to say like thank you to to the American people for allowing us as a Latino as a Hispanic to be in this country, and we contribute a little bit to keep this city afloat.

Like and I want to say thank you because allowing us to celebrate the Hispanic heritage month.

That's big in this country.

And this is the only country that allows us to do a lot of things.

Not everywhere in the world can celebrate the Hispanic heritage or any other race or culture.

And I feel very proud to be in America, but I am a Latino.

And a Latino that I have my my roots that I celebrate.

I'm born in Guatemala.

I came from Guatemala, and I am an American Guatemalan.

I am here in this position to help to have a better city, a better community.

That's why I represent more than eleven thousand people in my war.

It's War 15, everybody doesn't know what it is.

That's my war.

And I will keep doing the best to work for my constituents, and at the same time working with my colleagues in this chamber to have a better city.

Sometimes we go that way, sometimes we go that way, but at the end of the day when we meet together to to have the best decision.

And again, thank you to the American community for allow us to work and serve and leave in these part of the country.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

Majority Web Sanchez.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um I also just rise uh to to share of how proud uh I am to be a Latino.

Um I'm grateful for a lot of things, but being Latino is definitely uh up there.

Um I just wanna quickly uh invite folks to uh different uh festivities going around in in Providence the next couple of weeks.

Uh like uh the majority leader mentioned, uh the parade in uh Silver Lake on the 13th at 4 p.m.

I believe.

If folks wanna participate in the parade, uh you're more than welcome and encouraged to uh this uh Sunday uh at Roger Williams Park.

Uh there's gonna be a Guatemalan festival.

I'll I'll be there.

Uh lots of food vendors and and celebrations.

Uh biasly, uh the most exciting festival of the month is the Mexican Independence Day Festival happening in Ward 6.

Uh everyone better be there.

Um I'm not asking you to be there, I'm telling you to be there.

Uh it will be uh from 12 to 7 uh family uh friendly uh free event uh for our community.

Um I believe there's another Guatemalan festival on the 21st uh in Pawtucket that I also will will be going.

Um I think those are it for events.

Uh someone please mention if uh if I'm missing one.

Uh but I also want uh PvD fest, of course, is this weekend, uh which celebrates all of our uh cultural identities.

Uh but I also want to highlight um uh a fun exhibit happening at the State House right now, uh put on by Rhode Island Latino Arts and and Martha Martinez.

Um it highlights uh a lot of pioneers uh in our Hispanic uh community, including our our pro temp uh Juan Picardo, uh who was the first Latino in the Rhode Island uh Senate, I I believe.

Um that's happening now through uh October, I believe, in the basement uh with a reception on October 8th.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, counselor.

Further discussion, items 31 through 33.

Hearing none, all in favor.

Aye.

Any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Item 34.

Madam President.

Majority leader.

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second, and a discussion on 34 and 35.

All in favor.

Aye.

Any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Item 36.

Madam President.

Majority.

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second discussion on items 36 to 48.

Councilman Taylor.

So I'm gonna go right down the line, a couple.

So first off, uh item 40.

I know she's not here, but I'd like to uh hopefully she's watching on TV.

I want to um say, you know, we I'm gonna miss you.

Uh Helen, Councilwoman Anthony.

We worked together for seven years on the finance committee.

Last term we worked four years on the uh claims and pending suits.

Uh we always didn't get along, but she was always professional at the end.

We both were, and I will I will miss working with her.

Uh hopefully she misses my humor here and there because she always laughed, but I'm not sure she really laughed that way.

But no, I will I will miss her.

I want to thank her.

Uh it was a pleasure working next to her, and uh good luck in your endeavors in the future.

Now, if I can jump.

Can I go to 41?

41, uh Dylan Conley.

Um I doubt he's watching because he was a little kid, so but um I want to thank him for his uh work on the Board of Licenses.

He was always a pleasure to work with.

Any problems I had with uh liquor stores or I mean uh I'm sorry, club nightclubs or um liquor stores too, but nightclubs and uh auto mechanic places.

I always went down in the year.

It always was very helpful um to me from the very beginning, which when I started seven years ago, he was very helpful.

And the last one, uh Angela Harris.

Um I kind of wish she was here.

I'm not sure that she was invited, but um 25 years to work in the city clerk's office.

We all know that is not easy, right?

Clerks to do all the meetings and try to get along with everybody and everything.

But I want to thank hopefully she's watching with her husband Larry.

I want to thank her for the uh 25 years that she did in the city clerk's office, and I would also hope that um the president of the city clerk could put together uh uh resolution, I mean uh citation signed by all of us for the retirement.

So, Helen Anthony, Dylan Conley, and Angela Harris.

Good luck in your retirement.

Hope to see you around, and uh thank you for your service.

Thank you, councilman.

Further discussion on items.

Uh I lost my place here.

36 through 48.

Uh, Councilman Graves.

I'm gonna do a couple two of you.

Um 40.

Um right now I I'm kind of floating because this side of me is gone.

I'm used to having Helen here.

I'm used to talking to her, and we exchange information and and clarify stuff, you know.

What is that?

I don't know what this means, you know, or whatever.

She was an excellent person to work with in finance.

She is an excellent um council person to work with overall.

Um she gave her all to that position.

And she was fair, she was kind, and she would look if you said, you know, something's not quite right with me.

Would you could you tell me exactly what you think?

So we bounced ideas off of one another, and that's what you really want to do.

We didn't come from the same points all the time, you know, but we all actually was always willing to listen.

She was always willing to share.

She was definitely a bright light in this chamber.

She's gonna be missed by all of us I know.

Um I like the number 15.

Um, I just hope whoever fills the seat is half as good as Helen was.

I'd be happy.

Um she gave her all.

When she got in the accident, she decided to come back.

She gave as much as she possibly could.

I understand why she left, but I still feel like she deserted me a little tiny bit.

But that's okay.

Um she's definitely a good person inside and outside of the chambers, and she had a lot of respect for each and every last one of us.

We've talked about each other, about all the councils, and it was always a grain of respect for everyone.

So that's not always done.

She definitely cared about all of us, and I hope we all felt that.

And I hope we all know that she was one of the good ones, and she is an example that we all should be following after.

I know I am, and she will be solely sorely missed.

That's all I can keep on saying.

And hopefully, we are planning to do something, you know, um, and not just pass her by because he put too much time and effort and energy into this place.

She put half her soul into this.

We gotta celebrate.

The other one that I want to talk about is Angela.

The clerk in the clerk's office.

Angela was again a gym.

When I go into the clerk's office, there's a lot of bright lights in there.

There's a lot of bright lights in there, and they know how I feel about them.

She was the one that shone even brighter sometimes.

She just made you feel welcome.

She was efficient.

I'm sorry that she left.

Um hopefully she'll get to go back south, back home.

Because she's from the south too, and we that's home.

Hopefully, she'll get her and her husband get to go back home.

But I want her to know that we miss her.

We loved her.

And if there was any reason for her to go, please don't have no animosity for nobody because we all love you, Angela.

And I hope you know that.

And that's all I have to say.

Thank you.

Further discussion.

Councilman Rayas.

Thank you, Madam President.

Um, obviously I want to echo the sentiments of what my colleagues have said about uh Angela and about Helen.

I just want to uh thank Angela for her years of service and uh for her allowing me to ask her for last minute uh citations.

Um and my apologies also extend to the clerks here as I did that just today.

Um but so Angela, if you're hearing this, thank you so much for your your service.

Um I also want to speak about our colleague Alan Anthony.

Um what a vacuum uh she leaves in the council, a significant void.

Uh when I when I first met uh counselor Anthony, it was before I I was sworn into office, and it was at uh Dunkin' Donuts we met.

That sounds like a Rhode Island story.

Uh, but um, you know, we talked about our goals and and and what we wanted to achieve in our um upcoming term, and without hesitation, I asked her, and she said um transparency and government.

And I believe she did exactly that as chair of finance.

She pulled back the curtain on our uh city's finances on our city's budget.

Uh she held more public hearings, um, I believe on our city budget than ever before.

And she deserves so much credit for that.

And one thing I love about Helen is that uh she don't play these political games.

Um she tells you where she stands on an issue.

Uh she there's no political maneuvering with her, and uh uh you know, she'll tell you where she stands on a vote uh before well before the vote takes place, and so there's no guessing games, and she always allowed for full uh good faith dialogue, even if we may have disagreed, uh she approached every conversation in good faith.

And um, I just hope that whoever comes after her embodies those same principles.

So, Helen, if you're hearing this, um you know, we we love you, we adore you, and thank you so much for the impact you've had on this body.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, counselor.

Further discussion, Councilman uh thank you, Madam President.

I also want to rise and um uh extend my um congratulations on to Angela Harris on her uh retirement.

Uh of course we're all feel saddened uh by her leaving, but it is for her best and thank her for always being there.

Uh whenever I or any of our colleagues needed anything.

Uh thank you, Angela, and I wish her the best.

And of course, I want to rise uh to say a few words in regards to my golly to the right, uh Helen Anthony.

I think that when you're looking to define a person, uh it's hard to do.

Uh, but when it comes to her, she actually defines what it is uh to be resilient, what it is to be strong, to be caring, uh, to be professional, and above all to be there when you call and you inquire and you ask when I turn over to her, and she will always have the right answer.

So she will be missed.

Uh, but we wish her the best.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Further discussion.

Councilman Bergett.

Thank you, Madam President.

First of all, uh, Chairwoman Helen Antonia, I wish you the best.

You make a decision.

We respect your decision.

We wish you to finish the turn about you decide to go.

So my best wishes to you, but if anything we can help you and this chamber, I'm talking for myself.

I don't know if anybody else likes to say yes.

We hear.

Thank you.

Uh to Dylan.

Dylan, thank you very much for your services as a uh licensed chair of board licensed of CD province.

I know you work very hard to the Latino community and to anybody who wants to open a business.

Hopefully, the next uh chairperson will be very kind and professional to help any small business who want to come to province and invest in province.

I want to welcome you to come and try our city.

We need the revenue.

To Angela, Angela, you make the decision to retire.

I wish you the well.

Best wishes to you.

A lot of health for you to enjoy your retirement.

Hopefully, the money we'll get in pension will and will be enough.

But we're here to if we anything we can help, we will be here.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Further discussion.

Hearing none, all in favor.

Aye.

All any opposed?

Any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Um, Madam Clerk.

Madam President, can I use a point of personal expression?

Yeah, let me uh handle these and then absolutely.

I'm sorry.

That's all right.

Please refer 36 to the committee on claims and pending suits.

37 to the committee on public works, 38 to claims and pending suits.

Note 39 through 48 as received.

So noted.

Majority whip.

Thank you, Madam President.

Uh, I would just like to request a very quick uh moment of silence uh in solidarity with uh community groups that are uh having a vigil right now as we speak uh in uh burnside park um in honor of all of the folks that we have lost uh due to overdoses uh here in the city of Providence, August 31st uh was international day of overdose awareness day.

Uh and community groups are uh having a vigil right now, so we could just quickly uh honor and solidarity with them.

Thank you, Madam President.

Yes, thank you, Councilman.

And truly thank you for that.

I don't think there's a single person um that I know who hasn't in some way been affected by overdose.

Um so thank you.

Item 49, Madam President, majority leader, motion to weigh the reading of item 49 and pass on a voice vote.

Second Madam President.

We have a motion and a second and discussion on item 49.

All in favor, any opposed, any abstentions?

Hearing none, the motion passes.

Item 50, Madam President, majority leader motion to weigh the reading of motion to weigh the reading of item 50 and passing of unanimous rights in vote.

Any discussion?

All in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion cat passes.

Madam President, majority leader.

Motion to suspend rule 16 B of the rules to the city council in order to take a matter not appearing on the printed docket.

Second, madam president.

Any discussion on that motion?

All in favor?

Uh any opposed, any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Madam President.

Majority leader.

Wish it to weigh the reading with item 51.

Second, Madam President.

Any discussion on that motion?

All in favor.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Madam President.

Madam President, yes.

Can you receive item 51?

Please, no, item 51 is received.

Thank you.

Madam President.

Majority leader.

Being that there's no further business with the calendar, motion to adjourn.

And tonight we adjourn in the name of Honorable Judge Frank Caprio.

Second, Madam President.

Any discussion on that motion?

All in favor.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Any abstentions?

Hearing none, we are adjourned.

Thank you all very much.

Thank you.